I received a call the other day on a subject that is of increasing concern in the fire restoration workplace. A restoration contractor was concerned about removing particle contaminants on fire losses to prevent their progressive release into respirable air over time, along with a potential for adverse health effects for occupants and workers who may have prolonged exposure.
The fire cycle (combustible components, oxygen, ignition source) produces many hundreds of chemicals in a damaged home or business. Typically, these combustion pollutants fall into two broad categories: oxides of nitrogen from burning organic components, and chlorine dioxide from burning synthetics. Also contained in most combustion soot are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are suspect carcinogens. Therefore, it stands to reason that proper restoration of smoke-damaged structural materials and contents is of significant importance.